I work with individuals and families to design estate plans that achieve their goals in the event of death or incapacity. This includes drafting wills, trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, health care directives, and other planning documents as well as forming entities for estate planning and business purposes, asset protection, gifting, and other asset transfers. I also represent clients in connection with marital property agreements and prenuptial agreements, probate and trust administrations, matters relating to private foundations and other forms of charitable giving, and succession planning for closely held business owners.
My Approach
Many people think of estate planning as simply filling out forms, but one of the reasons I am so passionate about my work is the incredible amount of nuance and customization that there is for each client. I enjoy working closely with my clients to really listen to them, to understand their situation and their goals, and think critically through the complex tax laws and trust code to determine the best way to accomplish those goals through the documents. With estate planning, there are many different layers to plan for and “what ifs” to consider, and I use my experience to help clients think through all those considerations, in a way that can’t be achieved by staring at a blank page or clicking through an online form.
I appreciate that estate planning allows me to combine critical thinking and working through substantive, complex tax law, with the very personal aspects of understanding clients’ goals, dreams, and hopes for their legacies and families. I grew up in a family business –third generation! – and have a deep understanding of the succession planning needs of family business owners.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in my western Wisconsin hometown and on the St. Croix River with my family, including my golden retriever, Chevy.
Practice Areas
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Trusts, Wills & Estates
